Forest bathing at Parc Cwm Darran

Parc Cwm Darran fills the Darran Valley just north of Deri, on the site of the former Ogilvie Colliery. Ogilvie Lake lies in the valley bottom, woodland climbs the valley sides, and the Cwmllwydrew Meadows Local Nature Reserve adds sunny wildflower grassland. The Romans are said to have hunted wild boar in the oak woods here, which is remembered in the Wild Boar Amphitheatre, a large earthwork sculpture. A few traces of the colliery remain, including an odd-shaped powder store.

Two waymarked trails and an audio trail start from the main car park by the visitor centre. The lakeside path is tarmac and mostly flat, so it suits anyone who wants an easy, level walk. For quieter time, climb into the woods on the valley sides, where paths are stone dust or natural ground. The visitor centre and café open in the main season from Easter to September.